UTSA parking: Options to reduce your stress

(Aug. 28, 2007)--During the first two weeks of classes, the highest number of vehicles will be on campus as students and new faculty members acclimate to the university. But, several parking and shuttle options are available to help reduce parking stress -- and many are free. With all options, it's important to allow at least an extra 30 minutes in order to get to class on time.

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The best advice for student permit parking is to avoid entering the 1604 Campus from Loop 1604. Only students who have garage or resident parking permits should drive onto the north side of campus, because commuter permit parking in this area is limited to lot 12 and the Tobin Lab lot.

From the south side of campus from UTSA Boulevard, student permit parking is available in lots 10 and 11 adjacent to Universiy Oaks apartments, lot 5 south of the Convocation Center and adjacent to the Recreation and Wellness Center, and lot 8 south of the Arts Building. UTSA's free south campus shuttle goes in a continuous cycle between lot 11 and lot 8 with several stops. Also many students park near the free UTSA apartment shuttle route and ride to campus from there.

Additionally, student permit parking is available in lot 13 on Valero Way. The lot 13 shuttle runs every seven minutes to the Arts Building -- only one building from the center of the 1604 Campus. Parking office employees monitoring lot 13 throughout the day report greatly increased use of the lot but spaces are still available, particularly in the north end.

UTSA also offers a no-cost parking and shuttle option between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. for UTSA students. An arrangement was made with Northside ISD to use parking lot C at the Dub Farris Athletic Complex on Loop 1604E at Skyhawk Drive (near Hausman Road) with connecting shuttle service to the 1604 Campus.

Other free parking options include VIA's park-and-ride locations at Crossroads Mall and under the intersection of Loop 1604 and Interstate 10. From these locations, there is free parking and a free ride on VIA bus routes 93 and 94 for UTSA students, faculty and staff members with UTSACard going to the 1604 and Downtown campuses.

Students can purchase a five-month VIA Semester Pass for $25 for travel on all VIA bus routes. UTSA students can buy the VIA Semester Pass at any UTSA fiscal services office. All you need is your UTSACard and proof of current registration. For more information about routes, visit the VIA Metropolitan Transit Web site.